Baked Gnocchi
A super easy, cheesy baked gnocchi casserole with a rich tomato sauce and wilted spinach. This comforting one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner and comes together in under an hour.
For 4 servings
Preheat oven and prepare the skillet. Position a rack in the middle of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).
Sauté aromatics and build the sauce. Heat the olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and optional red pepper flakes, and cook for another 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Simmer the sauce. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in the dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
Add gnocchi and spinach. Add the uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the simmering sauce, stirring gently to coat them completely. Add the fresh spinach in large handfuls, stirring after each addition until it wilts down into the sauce. This should take about 2-3 minutes in total.
Top with cheese and bake. Remove the skillet from the heat. Smooth the top of the gnocchi mixture. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the surface. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese is fully melted and lightly golden.
Rest and serve. Carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving; this allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped basil and serve hot.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a large, oven-safe skillet (like cast iron) to make this a true one-pan meal, minimizing cleanup.
- 2Do not pre-boil the gnocchi. They will cook perfectly in the sauce as the dish bakes, absorbing lots of flavor.
- 3For a crispier, more browned cheese topping, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
- 4Let the baked gnocchi rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
- 5For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of tomato paste with the crushed tomatoes.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Brown 1/2 lb of ground Italian sausage or diced chicken in the skillet before adding the onions. Remove the cooked meat and add it back in with the gnocchi.
Extra VeggiesExtra Veggies
Sauté 8 oz of sliced mushrooms, one chopped bell pepper, or one small diced zucchini along with the onions for more nutrients and texture.
Creamy VersionCreamy Version
Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or 2 oz of softened cream cheese into the sauce just before adding the gnocchi for a richer, creamier texture.
Different CheesesDifferent Cheeses
Swap the mozzarella for provolone, fontina, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Source of Iron and Vitamins
Spinach is packed with essential nutrients, including iron for energy, Vitamin K for bone health, and Vitamin A for vision and immune function.
Boosts Immunity
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been shown to have immune-boosting properties and can help the body fight off common illnesses.
Frequently asked questions
Each serving of this Baked Gnocchi contains approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the specific brands of gnocchi and cheese used.